FBI Assists with Murder Probe of 2 Women

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(Pictured left: Jazmine Trotter; pictured right: Christine Malone)

FBI Assists with Murder Probe of 2 Women

(Pictured left: Jazmine Trotter; pictured right: Christine Malone)

CLEVELAND — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting Cleveland police in the murder cases of two women, and the assault of another on the city’s east side in recent weeks.

An FBI spokesperson told Fox 8 News it was unclear at this time if the cases are related.

Family members of 20-year-old Jazmine Trotter came across her body late last month in an abandoned home on East 93rd Street after she failed to show up for work.

Then, a few days later, another grisly discovery.

The body of 45-year-old Christine Malone was found in a field on Bessemer Avenue. She had been reported missing by her family two days prior.

The house was only about a mile away from where Trotter’s remains were found.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office on Tuesday said both women died from blunt head trauma and strangulation.

Another victim, attacked in the same area, managed to survive.

Police say on Saturday morning, the 20-year-old woman was walking to work near East 116th Street and Harvey Avenue, when she was jumped from behind. The male suspect allegedly threatened her with a weapon and began ripping at her work uniform.

A passerby saw what happened and chased the suspect away.

Cleveland police described the man wanted in the assault as a black male, about 6’2″, wearing dark work pants with a hood tied around his face and black leather gloves. Investigators also said the suspect had very unique, work-style boots with a steel toe or metal covering.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Cleveland Division of Police.

Stick with Fox 8 News and FOX8.com for updates on this story as they become available.